Don’t Get Steamed Up! – Bathroom Extractor Fans

Have you ever taken time to look at your bathroom extractor fan, or lack of one? Probably not. We rush in, we shower and we rush out, never stopping to think about the moisture and steam we subject our bathrooms to every day. In fact, we usually only notice the steam when it’s time to brush our teeth or do our make-up and we’re left wiping condensation from the soaked bathroom mirror.

Of course, if you don’t treat things quickly you’re left with even more problems. Over time, without the right aeration, you’ll find your bathroom covered in thick, black mould that stains and is hard to shift. It’ll start on the grout on any tiles, and if you’ve got painted walls it’ll quickly spread until the whole room needs a complete makeover. This black mould is scientifically known as Stachybotrys Chartarum, and it thrives wherever it finds moisture and a lack of air movement. It can be expensive, it looks terrible and it can even affect breathing, cause allergies and have a dangerous impact on the very young, the elderly and the asthmatic.

You can’t be expected to keep the windows open at all times to keep your bathroom fresh. Who wants to shower in the cold, night air in the middle of winter? Fortunately, the right bathroom extractor fan can help your bathroom remain pristine, and keep the family lungs in great condition.

There are so many choices for people who want an effective extractor fan. Your own memories might be of rickety plastic grates that shook in the wind, turned yellow with age and were placed noticeably high on a wall or on the ceiling so that they drew your eyes towards them whenever you entered the room. Fortunately, they’ve moved on since then and the picture above shows some designer extractor fans that are great for a stylish and creative bathroom. You can get glass extractor fans, ones with lights and extractor fans decorated with pebbles, shells and beautiful, bright and attractive colours. Nowadays, your extractor fan doesn’t have to be an embarrassment when it’s noticed!

Extractor fans with lights might not generate enough of their own light to completely replace the need for others, but they can certainly be used to create the right mood when you’re soaking in the bath. They offer a warm glow, just enough to allow you to see what you’re doing, and as you sink into the hot water as the steam rises over you, it’ll be removed effectively for fresh air and a mirror you can see through afterwards.

Of course, those plastic extractor fans have their place if you keep them clean and well-maintained. The fan seen above features motion sensor technology so it’ll only work when you’re around, whilst trusted brands continue to make simple and inconspicuous extractor fans for every home bathroom.

Of course, you can help to prevent black mould in any bathroom by wiping surfaces with a dry towel after you’ve bathed or showered, though with the right bathroom extractor fan you’ll have the upper hand keeping Stachybotrys Chartarum out of your home.